CHAPTER XII 
Direct ConrrRou By MEcHANICAL MEANS 
Some of the important measures for the control of injurious insects 
have been discussed in the preceding chapter. For the most part these 
may be classed as indirect methods, since they are intended largely 
to prevent attack or injury, and are a part of general farm practices 
adopted for various reasons besides those relating to insects. 
On the other hand there are measures that are intended directly to 
accomplish the destruction of a given pest or to prevent its attack, and 
are adopted primarily for that purpose. 
First among these are a number of simple methods that naturally 
suggest themselves in the case of the larger insects or those that con- 
gregate in limited areas; such as hand picking or burning. Measures 
of this kind require no special apparatus, and often are effective. 
They may or may not presuppose accurate knowledge of the life history 
or habits of the insect dealt with; but often such knowledge is essential 
if any real benefits are to be secured. 
Examples of this type are as follows: 
Hand Picking 
Hand picking, jarring, or brushing is a common practice in dealing 
with such insects as the tomato worm, squash bugs, and the like. It 
is worth knowing that a mass of such insects collected in a box or other 
receptacle can easily be killed by sprinkling them with kerosene. 
Burning 
Burning is often a prompt and effective remedy, especially with cater- 
pillars that tend to congregate in masses. A familiar example is seen 
in the common tent caterpillar. 
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